Review: Crystal Fighters TPB

As I started this trade, I had no idea what to expect. At first glance I wasn’t sure I was going to enjoy Crystal Fighters. By the end I actually had a desire to see how this story will progress, but here are a few reasons I was hesitant.

***Spoilers***

The art of the book is very inconstant in tone. This could be on purpose though. The two creators where perhaps trying to Capture a Scott Pilgrim feel or a Cartoon Network series pitch. The one problem I had with the first act is our Protagonist, Stella. Stella comes off more of a Villain than a poor girl being forced into female stereotypes, (as her mother will not allow her to play a violent video game but instead a more “Gender appropriate ” title.)

Rightfully I might add, since the first thing Stella does when gaining a small amount of power in said game, she immediately attacks some defenseless glob like Pokemon. It is then she is transported to a hidden feature in the game that is a Fight Club for young girls.

Stella is very two dimensional. There is a point where she actually becomes two dimensional and I can’t figure out if that was on purpose either. Stella is overshadowed by the secondary characters that seem more fleshed out than the one we are suppose to follow. From the loneliness of Oliva, (the defacto mentor character) and her family life, to our antagonist and the racism she suffers from outside the game; while inside is she feared and respected.

There is room for growth and mystery that begins halfway through the book; interesting enough to stick around for the next. Crystal Fighters seems a little predictable but is still an enjoyable read. If they begin to focus more on the character’s lives outside the game I think this title will do well.

Crystal Fighters

Created by Jen and Tyler Bartel.

This Volume collects Chaos Arena: Crystal Fighters. Originally published by Stela

About the Author

Justin Lee Fox Justin Lee Fox is an Independent writer from Southern California.
Currently finishing two books and several comics. Some for Boom Art Department.
His work can be found on his website www.justinleefox.com

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